Jackie, 55, living with high blood pressure.
Actor portrayals.
COVID-19 knowledge
is power—period.
COVID-19 presents unique challenges for the collective health of Black Americans. But we know a thing or two about community wisdom. So let’s learn about COVID-19 to help protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Jackie, 55, living with high blood pressure.
Actor portrayals.
Alberta, 75, living with diabetes. Actor portrayals.
about covid-19
Neighbor, it’s time to spread awareness
As new variants of COVID-19 continue to emerge and threaten our health, it’s important that we as a community stay informed. Let’s start with the basics.
COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which most often causes respiratory symptoms—that can feel like a cold, flu, or pneumonia—but it may affect other parts of the body, too. While most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, Black Americans are 4 times more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 compared to White Americans due to disparities that include health conditions and access to adequate healthcare.1
HEALTH RISKS
ARE YOU AT RISK?
Certain factors may increase the risk of progression to severe COVID-19. These can include pre-existing health conditions, housing situations, job environments, and limited access to essential resources. It's crucial for Black Americans to understand these risk factors, as doing so can empower us to advocate for our health within a system that often overlooks our community's needs.
Pre-existing Health Conditions
Pre-existing health conditions, especially in people aged 50 years and older, can increase the severity of illness when one of us contracts COVID-19. Black Americans index high in the following health conditions, so if you, a loved one, or a neighbor are living with any of these, know that you are at increased risk for severe COVID-19.
- Heart disease2,3
- Diabetes3
- Overweight and obesity3
- Chronic kidney disease3
- Asthma3
- Heart disease3
- Sickle cell disease3
- Mental health conditions such as depression3
Talk to your doctor about a comprehensive list of risk factors.
External Conditions
Our lifestyle and community play a crucial role in managing the impact of COVID-19. By understanding these factors, you can take proactive steps to help protect yourself and your loved ones. Keep the following in mind:
- Ensure safety in work environments with high foot traffic or exposure to illness
- Find alternatives or protective measures when using public transportation
- Practice good hygiene like washing your hands, wiping door knobs, and covering your mouth while coughing
- Seek access to nutritious foods and opportunities for physical activity
- Tap into local healthcare resources that support your well-being
With the appropriate knowledge and resources, we can take control of our health and help minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our community.
DID YOU KNOW?
Black Americans are 4 times more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19
as compared to White Americans1
understanding symptoms
we stay ready
COVID-19 can spread even if you have no symptoms.4 People can spread COVID-19 even if they are asymptomatic or before they develop symptoms. The list to the right shows some of the most common COVID-19 symptoms.5* However, severity and expression of symptoms are unique to each of us.
If you are unsure of symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
*List does not include all symptoms.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
New loss of smell
and/or taste
Sore throat
Fever or chills
Muscle or body aches
Charles, 52, living with
chronic kidney disease.
Actor portrayals.
What are COVID-19 oral treatment options?
It’s about that time to talk about treatment options
Oral treatment options are not a replacement for the COVID-19 vaccine.6
Ask your doctor if you are eligible to use oral treatment options as soon as possible after your first COVID-19 symptoms start.7
Use this brochure to start a conversation about oral treatment options with your doctor.
References: 1. Mirajkar A, Oswald A, Rivera M, et al. Racial disparities in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. J Natl Med Assoc. 2023;115(4):436-440. doi:10.1016/j.jnma.2023.06.006 2. Kandil E, Attia AS, Youssef MR, et al. African americans struggle with the current COVID-19. Ann Surg. 2020;272(3):e187-e190. doi:10.1097/SLA.0000000000004185 3. People with certain medical conditions and COVID-19 risk factors. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html 4. How COVID-19 spreads. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/socialmedia/syndication/405380/403327.html 5. Symptoms of COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html 6. Types of COVID-19 Treatment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/index.html 7. Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response. What are the possible treatment options for COVID-19. US Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://aspr.hhs.gov/COVID-19/Treatments/Pages/Possible-Treatment-Options-for-COVID19.aspx